Midlands Credit Compass

The Midlands Credit Compass supports students who are looking to switch universities, take a break from their studies or move away from their current place of study. 

University of Staffordshire, along with partner universities in the Midlands region, have developed a framework which will make transferring academic credit more transparent.  

The Midlands Credit Compass universities are:

• Birmingham City University
• Coventry University
• University of Lincoln
• Nottingham Trent University
• University of Wolverhampton
• De Montfort University 
• University of Derby

You can apply to universities outside of the Midlands Credit Compass group, however it may take longer to arrange a transfer, and you will need to contact that university directly. You may need to also pay a small fee for UCAS. 

This new framework can help students who are thinking about leaving university, or have left university without completing their course, to easily switch their studies between our partner universities while maintaining a verified record of your credit achievements.

The Midlands Credit Compass aims to encourage student mobility, progression and lifelong learning. It is a mutual commitment to putting students at the heart of the system, supporting student access, choice and flexibility.

'Credits' explained

Each module you complete as part of a university course earns you a number of 'credits'. You need to achieve a set number of credits to complete your course. If you are looking to transfer to a different university, then you can use these credits rather than repeating modules in the same area of study.

How to apply

Your first port of call is the send an enquiry to your first choice of university, who will help you to get a copy of your academic credit, and support you to transfer.

Returning to study

If you wish to return to study with us, then please get in touch with us in the first instance. Credits are normally valid for up to five years - but the Midlands Credit Compass aim to support all students get back into study, so please contact us if you're returning to study after a break of more than five years.

Transferring credits

Most students use these credits to transfer to a different university to study a similar subject, however credits can sometimes be used to study something new, however this is less likely - it all depends on your individual circumstances. You may still apply to transfer, but you may have to start the new course at the beginning of the year.

Making a change before you've earned credit

If you are looking to make a change to your university studies before you have completed a module, the Midlands Credit Compass can still support you, but you may need to undertake the full course if they are unable to accredit any relevant prior learning. 

Funding and student loans

You should still be entitled to funding when you change universities, however, the rules can be complicated, especially so if you are required to start the course from the beginning. The university you are applying to will be able to support you and point you in the right direction to understand how your funding (including loans, grants or bursaries) will be impacted by a transfer.